Is an Engineering For Kids franchisee allowed to use the Internet as a channel of distribution?

According to the 2025 Engineering For Kids Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from using the internet as a distribution channel without prior written approval from the franchisor. Specifically, franchisees may not engage in sales using alternate channels of distribution, such as the Internet, catalog sales, or telemarketing, unless they obtain written approval. This restriction impacts how franchisees can market and sell Engineering For Kids programs and products.

However, Engineering For Kids retains the right to sell products and services through alternative distribution channels, including e-commerce, at any location, whether inside or outside the franchisee's territory. This means that while franchisees face limitations on internet sales, the franchisor can engage in e-commerce activities without restriction. The FDD also indicates that current and/or future educational enterprises owned, operated, or invested in by Engineering For Kids' parents and/or affiliates may have the right to use other channels of distribution, such as the Internet, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing, to make sales within a franchisee's territory.

In practice, this means that an Engineering For Kids franchisee's ability to leverage the internet for sales is limited and subject to franchisor approval, while the franchisor and its affiliates have broader rights to utilize online channels. A prospective franchisee should discuss with Engineering For Kids the specific conditions under which internet sales might be approved and how the franchisor's e-commerce activities could potentially affect their business.